Z30vs A6400
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Travel & Everyday Video — Z30 (2022): Nikon's lightest Z-mount body — no fuss, excellent subject tracking, and a flip screen for creators.
Content Creation & Vlogging — A6400 (2019): The best value APS-C Sony you can buy — especially used. Real-time Eye AF at this price point was transformative when it launched and still makes it one of the most reliable autofocus systems in the lineup.
Who should buy what
Z30 (2022)
- Vloggers and content creators who don't need an EVF
- Beginners entering the Nikon Z system at the lowest price point
- Streamers who want a compact interchangeable-lens camera for desk use
- Travel and lifestyle shooters who want a compact APS-C Z body
A6400 (2019)
- Vloggers and content creators who need a flip screen and reliable AF
- Photographers upgrading from a compact or smartphone
- Beginners who want room to grow into a full E-mount lens ecosystem
- Anyone prioritising autofocus performance at an accessible price
Quick take: The a6400 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z30 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z30 (2022) | A6400 (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £479 | £899 |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS BSI |
| Resolution | 20.9MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p | 4K/30p (6K oversampled, no crop), 1080p/120p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) | Phase-detect, 425 points, real-time Eye AF & animal AF |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | None (no IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 11fps | 11fps mechanical, 8fps with AF tracking |
| Battery Life | ~300 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 405g body only | 403g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm | 120.0 × 66.9 × 59.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | None | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.70× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 180° flip for selfie/vlog, 921k dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input, micro HDMI | Micro-USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z30 | A6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Family & Everyday | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Video | — | |
| Wildlife | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history